Many people have visited Belgium on their way to France, but actually leaving the motorway and exploring the country itself will open up a broad and fascinating cultural experience. Three regions comprise Belgium. In the northern part you will find Flanders - a crowded centre of culture and industry. The south is where beautiful Wallonia is situated. Between these, aptly right in the middle, is the capital of Europe - Brussels.
Find your travel arrangement to Belgium here
Region and City Guides
Region:
Facts
Local name
Royaume de Belgique, Koninkrijk België.
Capital
Brussels (950,000 inhabitants)
Size
30,500 square kilometres
Principal Languages
Flemish, French and German.
Principal Religion
Roman-catholic
Inhabitants
10,020,000 (1992)
Government
Monarchy
Geography
Even though Belgium is a small country it presents extraordinarily wide geographical variations. It ranges from flat Flanders in the North with beaches and heaths - to vigorous Wallonia in the South with the beautiful Ardennes .
Travel preparation
Local conditions
Weight and Measures
In Belgium, the metric system is used.
Photography
Common politeness should always be borne in mind - and always ask before taking a picture!
Drinking water
The drinking water in Belgium is safe to drink.
Electricity
Electric current operates on 220 volts AC, 50 cycles. Some parts of the country may use 110 volts AC.
Behaviour
As in most other Roman-Catholic countries - be respectful when visiting churches, convents and other religious places. So avoid wearing shorts, short skirts and showing bare shoulders. Using common politeness and paying respect to the locals will get you far.
Business Hours
Banks are open from 9.00 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please expect that some banks will be closed for siesta. Shops are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, yet in the larger cities, opening hours are usually from 9.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. Small family-owned shops often have longer opening hours, and it is very common to have them open at least one night a week.
Food and drink
Belgium is world-famous for beer and chocolate, but actually Belgian cuisine is very good. Brussels' restaurants are well-known as some of the best in the world, and not only the luxury ones. Regional specialities include seafood dishes in those cities near the coast.
Holidays
New Year's Day, 1 January
Labour Day, 1 May
National Day, 21 July
Assumption Day, 15 August
All Saints Day, 1 November
Armistice Day, 11 November
Christmas Day, 25 December
Labour Day, 1 May
National Day, 21 July
Assumption Day, 15 August
All Saints Day, 1 November
Armistice Day, 11 November
Christmas Day, 25 December
Accommodation / Hotel
Regarding accommodation, Belgium is a very tourist-friendly country. Whether you want a luxury Hotel or a visit at a farm in the Ardennes, you will always find many possibilities.
Book your Hotel in Belgium here
Book your Hotel in Belgium here
Camping
You will find a wide range of excellent campsites in Belgium.
In Belgium you can find everything from luxury hotels to small inns, all categorised with one to five stars.
Hostels
Belgium has two hostel unions: Vlaamse Jeugherbergcentrale (VJHC) and Centrale Wallonne (CWAJ).
Other Accommodation
Many farms offer the option to stay and participation in their day to day life for a reasonable price - especially near the Ardennes.
Local transport
The road network in Belgium is well kept and comprehensive, and you will find ample opportunity to rent a car. Furthermore many trans-national buses are available, as well as an efficient and effective rail network which covers most parts of the country.
Planes
Belgium has no domestic Flights.
Bus
Besides city buses, Belgium has several cross-national buses with shuttle services between the larger cities. But other than SABENA's non-stop network between Brussels and Antwerp Belgium has no specific express buses.
Trains
Belgium has a dense rail network with many hourly departures. In the busiest part of the network trains leave more often. Children from 6 to 11 years are discounted at 50%.
Taxi
Taxi is a very common means of transportation in Belgium, and it is always very easy to get a taxi. Tips are included in the bill.
car rental
Several car rental companies are represented in Belgium, offering cars for rent with or without driver.
Special conditions
During the spring Belgium arranges the two classic cycling races of the Tour de Flanders and the Liège-Bastogne-Liège, as well as celebrating Shrovetide with a range of spectacular carnivals.
